A/RES/60/39 civilians on both sides, including the suicide bombings, the extrajudicial executions and the excessive use of force, Acknowledging the importance of the Israeli withdrawal from within the Gaza Strip and parts of the northern West Bank and of the dismantlement of the settlements therein as a step towards the implementation of the road map, Stressing the urgent need for sustained and active international involvement, including by the Quartet, to support both parties in revitalizing the peace process towards the resumption and acceleration of direct negotiations between the parties for the achievement of a final peace settlement, in accordance with the road map, Welcoming the initiatives and efforts undertaken by civil society in pursuit of a peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine, Taking note of the findings by the International Court of Justice, in its advisory opinion, including on the urgent necessity for the United Nations as a whole to redouble its efforts to bring the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which continues to pose a threat to international peace and security, to a speedy conclusion, thereby establishing a just and lasting peace in the region, 5 1. Reaffirms the necessity of achieving a peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine, the core of the Arab-Israeli conflict, in all its aspects, and of intensifying all efforts towards that end; Also reaffirms its full support for the Middle East peace process, which 2. began in Madrid, and the existing agreements between the Israeli and Palestinian sides, stresses the necessity for the establishment of a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East, and welcomes in this regard the ongoing efforts of the Quartet; Welcomes the Arab Peace Initiative adopted by the Council of the League 3. of Arab States at its fourteenth session, held in Beirut on 27 and 28 March 2002; 6 4. Calls upon both parties to fulfil their obligations in implementation of the road map4 by taking parallel and reciprocal steps in this regard, and stresses the importance and urgency of establishing a credible and effective third-party monitoring mechanism including all members of the Quartet; Welcomes the Israeli withdrawal from within the Gaza Strip and parts of 5. the northern West Bank and the dismantlement of the settlements therein as a step towards the implementation of the road map; Calls upon Israel, the occupying Power, in this regard, to comply strictly 6. with its obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law, with respect to the alteration of the character and status of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem; Emphasizes the need for the parties, with the help of the international 7. community, speedily and fully to resolve all remaining issues in the Gaza Strip, including a durable arrangement for the border crossings, the airport, the construction of the seaport, the removal of the rubble and the establishment of a permanent physical link between the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, and welcomes _______________ 5 6 See A/ES-10/273 and Corr.1, advisory opinion, para. 161. A/56/1026-S/2002/932, annex II, resolution 14/221. 3